I became a Nurse because I wanted to be just like my Aunt. I became a Pediatric Oncology Nurse because I wanted to give back to others. Fourteen years ago I was diagnosed with Burkitt Leukemia. I was one of nine children in the country with the disease. I have been a nurse for 5+ years. I started my career at Saint Louis Children’s Hospital working with the nurses and doctors who saved my life. I traveled for two years working with children with cancer and other blood disorders in Cincinnati, Saint Petersburg, Kansas City, and Los Angeles. I spent this last summer at home with my family and started working in the Costas Center (hem/onc clinic) at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. I just moved to Nashville TN to work at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital on the Hem/Onc/BMT Unit. Light The Night Walk is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's evening walk and fundraising event. It is the nation's night to pay tribute and bring hope to thousands of people battling blood cancers and to commemorate loved ones lost. I am participating in this event as a way to say Thank You to all of the amazing people in my life. I want to honor and remember all the wonderful children and families I have met. They inspire me everyday. Please make a donation to support my participation in the Light The Night Walk and help save lives. Be sure to check my Web site frequently to see my progress and thanks for your support!
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) funds lifesaving research that has contributed to major advances in the treatment of blood cancers and treatments for other types of cancer, such as chemotherapy and stem cell transplants. These treatments have helped patients live better, longer lives. New targeted therapies that kill cancer cells without harming normal tissue are providing drugs and procedures that are improving quality of life.
Sarah K Smallen
Last Edited on: 10/14/2009